Tuesday, January 17, 2012

How do Pip and Joe's relationship change from the start of the novel to the end?Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

While Pip's relationship and view of Joe's friendship does, indeed, undergo changes as Pip's values alter, from Joe's perspective, there is absolutely no alteration in feelings or attitude toward Pip.  Even while Pip is a child, Joe has respect for Pip, complimenting him on being an "oncommon scholar."  He protects and cares for Pip at every turn.  When Pip bemoans being "common" and having coarse hands and boots, Joe explains that Pip is not at all common in his heart.  Then, when Pip is embarrassed by Joe on his London visit and neglects to visit when he is near the forge, Joe's love is constant.  Rushing to aid the burned Pip, who expresses his guilt--"Tell me of my ingratitude"--this friend replies,



"Which dear old Pip, old chap,...you and me was ever friends.  And when you're well enough to go out for a ride--what larks!"



Constant in his friendship for Pip, Joe's words of love echo like a refrain through the entirety of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.





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